NBA Eastern Conference Showdown - Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics

NBA Betting Odds – Magic, Celtics Battle in Possible Conference Finals Preview

Magic (+6) at Celtics (-6)
(O/U) 192
Tonight at 8:00 PM ET

I’ve already gone on record to say that I expect the Orlando Magic (9-3 SU, 7-5 ATS, 7-5 O/U) and Boston Celtics (9-3 SU, 5-7 ATS, 5-7 O/U to square off in the Eastern Conference Finals this season.

Now the two powerhouse ballclubs will give pro basketball betting members a preview of that possible pairing when the last two Eastern Conference champions meet at Boston’s TD Garden tonight at 8 PM ET.

The 411 on the Magic
The Magic have won three consecutive games coming into tonight’s contest while covering the spread in two of those victories, including the team’s 108-94 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday.

Orlando got a team-high 18 points from Vince Carter as six players reached double figures in scoring. And all-star forward Rashard Lewis nearly recorded a triple-double in just his second game this season as he put up 17 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.

The 411 on the Celtics
The Celtics haven’t been playing very well lately, but did manage to snap their modest two-game skid by beating the Golden State Warriors 109-95 on Wednesday.

The C’s however, failed to cover the NBA point spread as 16-point home favorites just as I predicted and have failed to cash in for pro basketball betting members in three straight games and six of seven games overall.

Boston placed six players in double figures against the Warriors and got a double-double of 18 points and 12 assists from Rajon Rondo in the win.

• Magic are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 vs. NBA Atlantic.
• Celtics are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Home team is 25-12 ATS in the last 37 meetings.
• Magic are 5-14 ATS in the last 19 meetings in Boston.
• Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
• Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Boston.
  
  

>> Join now to bet on the Magic vs Celtics -6

Analysis: Even if the trends for this contest didn’t suggest a Magic cover, I’d advise BetUS NBA sports betting members to go with Orlando anyway.

The Celtics clearly aren’t playing their best basketball of the season right now, but that’s still not why I like the Magic to cash in for pro basketball bettors.

Simply put, I think the Magic have too many gifted scorers for the Celtics to run away from them with their deliberate style of play.

While the Celtics will undoubtedly be fired up for this nationally televised contest, I’m sticking with the Magic to show their mettle in this ballgame, despite playing without all-star point guard Jameer Nelson.

The Magic have gone a perfect 6-0 ATS in their last six games against NBA Atlantic Division ballclubs and the C’s have struggled against top-notch opponents at home this season, going a discouraging 2-5 ATS in their last seven home games against a team with a winning road record.

Sure, the Magic are just 5-14 ATS in the last 19 meetings in Boston, but those stats were compiled a few years back and this Magic team has got plenty of ‘game’ now.